It’s getting rave reviews around the globe, but now we have numerical proof Alfa’s sexy new 4C isn’t just a pretty face.

The new, sub-$80,000 sportscar has shattered the lap record at the Nurbugring for a car with less than 185kW, clocking a time of 8m04s.

To put that into perspective, it’s exactly the same time as the superbly-balanced, and considerably more expensive, Porsche Cayman S, a second quicker than an E92 BMW M3 and four seconds faster than the razor-sharp Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy.

The 4C did get specially-developed, super-sticky, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo AR Racing tyres to hustle it around ‘Ring, but now there’s no doubt the 4C has the performance to match its good looks.